Basilique Saint-Étienne de Neuvy
A rotunda modelled on the Holy Sepulchre, UNESCO-listed
One of the few buildings in the West to reproduce the circular plan of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Listed as a historic monument in 1840, restored by Viollet-le-Duc, UNESCO-listed in 1998.
The rotunda dates from the 12th century, the nave from the 13th. It was founded by Geoffroy de Déols on his return from crusade, modelled on what he had seen in Jerusalem.
Eleven columns support the rotunda, their capitals depicting the apostles. Eight metres thirty of interior diameter, sixteen metres under the vault, a conical roof outside.
It appears on the very first list of historic monuments, in 1840, and Viollet-le-Duc led its restoration shortly after. Raised to the rank of minor basilica by Pius X in 1910. Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1998, as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela.
It has kept a relic of the Precious Blood since 1257, brought back from the Holy Land by Cardinal Eudes de Châteauroux.
Free, open access. Allow an hour. Opening times aren't published: a call to the town hall saves a wasted trip.